Sparse rain over the past week has resulted in soil drying out. Leaves on forest floor got dry and crisp and stream levels have fallen. Above average temperatures have hastened leaf-out with most trees except ash and oak sprouting new leaves. Spring ephemerals are fading along with the daffodils and forsythia. Peach and pear trees are in full blossom. Peas, beets and onion sets have sprouted in the garden. Fiddleheads and jack-in-the-pulpit are growing. A bear has returned to browse the prolific dandelions. Chipmunks are active defending territories and seeking mates. Robins, phoebes and tree swallows are nesting. Trails are dry for biking and hiking. Current rain and more in the forecast for the coming week should ease dry conditions.